The Henderson Crime Free Multi-Housing Program began to help reduce crimes and police calls for service in multi-housing properties like apartment communities. The goal of the Crime Free Multi-Housing program is to introduce crime prevention techniques to rental property as to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity occurring on the premises.

Being part of a crime-free program is a true team effort. Tenants and management are involved and strongly encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Henderson Police Department in order to promote safety for themselves, their families and their community.

When criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of rental property, neighborhoods suffer and landlords pay a high price. That price may include:

Decline in property values -- particularly when the activity begins affecting the reputation of the neighborhood.

Civil penalties, including temporary closure of the property -- or even property seizure.

Loss of rent during the eviction and repair periods.

Fear and frustration when dealing with dangerous and threatening tenants.

Increased resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers.

The loss of other valued tenants.

The program uses a three-part approach for a property to become fully certified in the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

PHASE ONE involves an 8 hour seminar presented by the police department for the apartment management and employees.

PHASE TWO will certify that the rental property has met the security requirements for the tenants' safety.

In PHASE THREE a tenant crime prevention meeting will be conducted for full certification, and the managers will be granted the use of large metal signs for display on the property. The management will also be granted the use of the program logo in all advertisements.

For more information about the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, contact the Henderson Police Department's Community Relations Bureau at (702) 267-5100.